01/06/2026
Today is our anniversary!
I like to see us as a grass roots CARICOM.
Why Response Caribbean?
RESPONSE CARIBBEAN
Background
The Caribbean region consists of an archipelago of islands characterized by multicultural diversity and shared historical experiences. The region stretches from the Bahamas in the north to the Guianas in the south and includes the English-speaking Central American country of Belize.
The call for Response Caribbean emerges from the realization that current policy dialogue in the region often bypasses the most pressing needs of the vulnerable and the poor—namely, the need for legitimate pathways to socio-economic transformation.
Rationale
Although the Caribbean is, by far, one of the most beautiful regions in the world, its social landscape has been seriously eroded over the last 20 years by a combination of social challenges. These include high crime rates, particularly the persistent occurrence of heinous homicides; the longstanding issue of teenage pregnancy; escalating domestic violence and sexual abuse against women and children; entrenched poverty; inequality; and social vulnerability.
In addition to these concerns, the Caribbean is one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world. The annual threat of hurricanes, flooding, and landslides, coupled with the region's extreme vulnerability to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis, creates even more complex challenges for social development and transformation within these small, open economies.
Programme
Response Caribbean is proposed as part of the solution, giving voice and action to the region's complex social challenges. It represents the first regional expansion of the home-grown non-governmental organization, Is There Not A Cause (ITNAC), through the establishment of satellite teams throughout the Caribbean.
The Network's mandate is to initiate actions and implement programmes aimed at improving the social and economic well-being of vulnerable populations, responding effectively to disasters, and facilitating socio-economic transformation across the Caribbean.
As part of its strategic focus, the Network will advance the regional response agenda and implement programmes that reposition and strengthen approaches to social transformation within Caribbean communities.
Objectives
The Network's two primary objectives are as follows:
1. To Respond to Natural and Human-Made Disasters in the Region
This objective will be achieved through the training and development of rapid-response capacity throughout the region. The Network will provide support to countries in coordinating emergency response and relief efforts.
The Network will embrace the principles and practices of Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) to address the effects of climate change and promote sustainable regional development.
2. To Foster Social and Economic Transformation
The Response Network will engage within the socio-economic and policy arenas of the Caribbean to help reduce poverty, crime, and social degradation.
The Network will seek to improve the quality of life of vulnerable populations by strengthening social transformation initiatives. Furthermore, it will develop national alliances, collaborate with social protection agencies, and support the establishment of social safety-net programmes.
Special attention will be given to the care and support of the most vulnerable groups in Caribbean society, particularly the elderly and persons with disabilities.
